I absolutely love assisting couples plan their special day at Tylney Hall and I recently had the pleasure of catching up with Mick & Judy who celebrated their wedding with us in September.
Having just arrived back from their wedding in Bermuda, Mick & Judy enjoyed a fabulous Indian summers day with us, celebrating their wedding in the UK with family and friends.
Below are some of the fabulous details that helped make their day so special.
Why did you choose this reception venue?
"Stunning grounds, spacious venue and excellent service."
Did you have a wedding theme?
"There was no theme, although we wanted classic elegance but in as chilled a manner as possible. There was a little bit of a theme with the music, as I had an acoustic guitarist play George Harrison’s ‘Here, there and everywhere’ walking in and ‘Here comes the sun’ walking out; my husband and his family are all from Liverpool!"
What did you serve your guests?
"After Ceremony: our own cocktail – the Flanagantini! We found this dream concoction whilst getting married in Bermuda, during a trip into Hamilton, at a place called Flanagan’s Bar….what an amazing stroke of luck, as I love cocktails and was looking to find something suitable. These were served with cranberry crush for the non-drinkers and crisps, olives and nuts.
Wedding breakfast – Choice between
Starters:
• Confit Duck Terrine with Fig Jam and Melba Toast
• Roquefort Cheese, Walnut and Pear Salad
• Broad Bean and Pea Risotto served with Crispy Onion Rings
Main:
• Moroccan Vegetable Casserole served with Spiced Cous Cous, Toasted Almonds and Yoghurt
• Traditional Roast Sirloin of Scottish Beef served with Yorkshire Pudding, Creamed Horseradish and Red Wine Jus
• Breat of Chicken filled with Wild Mushrooms and Leek and Tarragon Butter Sauce
Dessert:
• White and Dark Chocolate Truffle Torte with Bailey’s Milkshake
• Traditional Crème Brulee with Lemon and Almond Biscotti
• Assorted Sorbet"
What table favours did you give your guests?
"A card containing a British Heart Foundation Pin (red for the ladies, white for the men) with a statement that a contribution had been made on their behalf to the charity in lieu of traditional favours.
Yankee Candle tea lights (Wedding Day fragrance) for the ladies."
What was your favourite moment of your big day?
"Impossible to say just one, it was totally unbelievable and amazing, here are my highlights:
• Getting ready with my bridesmaids and the hair and make up ladies in the changing room.
• Walking up the aisle and seeing my guests looking so proud and my future husband waiting.
• Exchanging personal vows without crying!
• Drinking Flanagantini’s on the terrace of the Italian Gardens after the ceremony in the sun.
• Releasing the doves
• The Bubbles line up in lieu of confetti
• My former student giving an impromptu performance of an Italian song called ‘The Prayer’
• The throwing of the bouquet on the terrace, which started the fireworks display."
Do you have any tips for brides-to-be?
"Make sure everything is complete, as in the final details, the day before and book into the venue/hotel the night of the wedding and invite your guests to do the same. Arrange breakfast with everyone on the same table/s. This helps to elongate the wedding by having memories and is a gentle come down to all that has gone before, as it can be a huge anti-climax to do nothing after all the months of busy preparation. It flies by but this way it’s a weekend not just one day. Good luck.Make sure you have a toastmaster, so organised and he takes care of everything. He looks the part and brings an element of regal tradition. On the whole he does the work for you to make sure the day runs smoothly. Graham is totally amazing.
Also hire a photographer who has a variety of shots in his albums. You need someone who will have a real passion for your venue and what they do to match your excitement and passion for the day. Not someone who feels too stuck in routine. Mark Bastick from Salisbury met us several times to take ‘engagement’ photos and to discuss detailed plans – he even sat at the wedding breakfast and ate with us! A great idea was to have a magician floating around the guests while the photos were being taken, so no-one felt bored or left out. "
What was your something old, something new, something borrowed and something new?
"Old: Silver sixpence minted in my husband’s year of birth (1959)
New: Dress
Borrowed: Spray of perfume
Blue: The gem on the underside of my wedding shoes (which were dyed to match my dress)"
The final details:
"Dress designer: Art Couture at http://curvesandcouture.co.uk/
Groomswear from: Moss Bross at http://www.mossbroshire.co.uk
Bridesmaids dresses from: SexyHer, Croydon at https://www.sexyher.co.uk
Photographer: Mark Bastick Photography at www.markbastick.co.uk/
Cake by: Reilly Cakes, Micheldever at www.reillycakes.co.uk/
Flowers by: Kim and Jen – Abstract Flowers, Andover at www.abstractflowers.co.uk"
On behalf of everyone at Tylney Hall we would like to say a big thank you to Mick and Judy for sharing their wedding day with us.
If you are planning your wedding and Mick & Judy's day has inspired you, we would love to speak with you. Telephone our Events team on 01256 745519 or email weddings@tylneyhall.com
Louise Searle - Senior Events Coordinator